Mitsubishi recalls Triton, Challenger

Mitsubishi has recalled a total of 3647 vehicles – including 2467 Tritons and 1180 Challengers – to rectify potentially defective power seats.

The problem affects model year 2007 to 2013 Triton 4x4 Double Cab and MY2010-2012 Challenger models fitted with powered front seats, including GLS and GLX-R Tritons and XLS Challengers.

Mitsubishi says the power seat reclining switch in vehicles manufactured before January 21 this year may jam, potentially causing the electric motor and seat cushion to melt or even burn.

“After operating the power seats reclining lever, the lever may stick in the operating position, allowing continuous current flow to the reclining motor. In this state the thermal overload protection circuit may fail, resulting in the motor, seat cushion and surrounding parts becoming melted or in the worst case burned.”

Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s Head of Corporate Communications, Shayna Welsh, told motoring.com.au that two incidents have been reported locally but neither resulted in injury.

Mitsubishi will contact all affected owners to arrange inspection and rectification of their vehicle, but in the interim advises drivers of the models in question to “ensure the lever returns to the centre position after use and whenever exiting the vehicle”.